Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teaching of Plants (2013) by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Robin Wall Kimmerer, a Phd botanist and an enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, uses anecdotes, science, and native wisdom to exemplify the natural wisdom of plants and animals to adapt and survive. This book reviews a lot of different themes that are poetically applicable to humans such as interrelationship, reciprocity, and interdependence; humility, power, and balance; gratitude for the unique individual gifts to support the collective whole; and the nuanced complexity of a balanced ecosystem. Life is incredibly complex, whether we are looking at the anatomy of any plant or animal, or all the working parts of a larger ecosystem. Everything and everyone has a role. And in the event the balance of that complex system of interconnections is disrupted, we run the risk of experiencing and/or causing irrevocable harm. When we lean into extremes (such as power, dominance, fear, isolation, greed, scarcity, etc.), we disrupt the gentle balance and harmony created by natural feedback loops. Robin Wall Kimmerer highlights important values and concepts such as humility versus egoism (like that of Willink and Babin), community (reflected in a core tenet of Polyvagal Theory), and interrelatedness of complex systems (as reflected by Gabor Maté). The poetic nature of this book was easy to read (even though it is long), the stories are relatable, and I greatly appreciated the way that the science served to validate the native wisdom.
How did I hear about this book: my hairdresser recommended it to me actually
Would I recommend it to colleagues: Sure
Would I recommend this to clients: Yes, and I have already
How do I apply this content to my work: Amongst so many of the other themes interrelated into this book is also this notion of “braiding” as it relates to the integration of mind, body, and spirit; which is a foundation of my therapeutic lens both as a social worker (trained in the biopsychosocial model) and as a dance/movement therapist. Additionally, and in general, the many themes outlined in this book (many of which are listed above) can be such an integral part of the therapeutic process and (especially because I am located in the PNW) I have been able to recommend this book to a few of my clients to resonate with the value of relating with nature as a way to exemplify many of these themes. Sometimes it is easier to look externally and/or lean in to experiences related to safety, connection, and humility when reflecting on the interspecies relationship of man to nature rather than to explore these themes or experiences interpersonally or intrapersonally. There are many ways to find connection outside of human relationships, especially when there may have been a history of trauma.
